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CareerPaths
Surgical Technologist/Operating Room Technician
Surgical Technologists / Operating Room Technicians have unequalled opportunity to work in some of the nations premier operating theaters, side-by-side with world renowned professionals. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, for example, offers the region’s most sophisticated cardiac centers. Top rated nationally, we are recognized for the comprehensive care provided to cardiac patients requiring diagnosis, interventional cardiology, surgery, transplantation and rehabilitation. At our new Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton, state of the art operating rooms feature voice controlled environment. Throughout Sentara, we are on the leading edge with innovative medical technology. Our operating room staff has unequalled opportunity to gain the kind of experience necessary for advancement in this high demand career field. At Sentara, certified, experienced technologists with a well rounded background in a variety of surgical specialties are in biggest demand.
Job Information
Surgical Technologists are often referred to as Operating Room Technicians. They assist the surgical team and operating room staff in providing care to patients undergoing surgical procedures and in preparing or cleaning the Operating Room itself. Surgical Technologists / Operating Room Technicians collaborate with the surgical team to ensure all equipment is prepared and functioning properly. They help set up, break down and clean the operating room, and aid the surgical team in preparing instruments and supplies.
Surgical Technologists / Operating Room Technicians:
 help surgical teams scrub and put on gloves and masks.
help prepare patients for surgery
sterilize equipment and operating rooms.
pass instruments to the surgical team.
position and operate equipment, such as lights and suction machines.
make inventory of tools used during surgery (e.g. sponges, needles).
help ensure patient safety
Work Environment
Surgical Technologists / Operating Room Technicians work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments. They must stand for long periods of time and remain alert during surgery. At times they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors and materials. They work primarily in hospitals, however they can also be employed in clinics and outpatient surgical centers and even private physicians offices where outpatient surgery is performed. A few, known as “private scrubs” are employed directly by surgeons who have their own special surgical teams.
Job Outlook/Advancement
Employment opportunities are expected to increase in the coming years. Increasing demand for healthcare services and technology advances will increase the opportunities for additional training and advancement. Additionally, the trend towards establishment of smaller ambulatory surgical centers will increase the demand for qualified members of the surgical team.
Technologists advance by specializing in a particular area of surgery, such as transplant or open-heart surgery. With additional experience and training, they may also be placed into more responsible positions such as interviewing patients or helping to prepare them for surgery. With additional training and certification, technologists can become Surgical Assistants. They assist with surgical procedures by retracting, suturing, cauterizing and closing and treating wounds. Experience in the operating room will help prepare technologists for other positions within healthcare related to operating room equipment and supply. Experience within the clinical environment may also help pave the way to other patient care careers such as Nursing.
Training Requirements
In order to become a Surgical Technologist, you must be a graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program. Previous extensive Operating Room experience, or military training in this specialty may also be qualifying factors. Certification as a Surgical Technologist is strongly recommended. BLS (Basic Life Support/CPR) certification is required within six months of hire for Sentara positions. Surgical Assistants must complete additional formal training and certification is strongly recommended.
Experience as a Surgical Technologist / Operating Room Technician may help pave the way to many additional opportunities in other patient care related career fields. Some related positions that will provide limited exposure to careers in surgery are Cardiac Technologist, Sterile Processing Technician, Radiological Technician, and Registered Nurse.
How Do I Get There?
The career field of Surgical Technology involves extensive classroom and on-the-job training. The Sentara School of Health Professions offers a local fully accredited program of instruction and clinical experience to prepare for your future as a Surgical Technologist. Individuals who choose the Surgical Technology profession are deeply committed to quality patient-focused care and working as a team member in a highly specialized area. You will need to have a strong science background and will undergo extensive training in human physiology, anatomy, medical terminology, biophysical sciences and pharmacology and surgical skills. Practical experience in direct patient care in a hospital setting will expose you to the variety of healthcare experiences necessary to hone your patient care and teamwork skills. More specific experience in sterile processing, or other related areas will provide you with exposure to the operating room environment and will provide you with a basis on which to make your career decision to become a part of the operating room team.
Related Links
Association of Surgical Technologists
Liaison Council on Certification for Certification for the Surgical Technologist
National Surgical Assistant Association
Educational Programs
Sentara School of Health Professions
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Eastern Virginia Medical School Surgical Assistant Program
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